An Israeli soldier was killed on Wednesday and several others wounded in southern Lebanon when troops walked into a minefield which was apparently laid by Israel several kilometers north of Israel's border.
Military sources believe that one possible cause of the incident was that the mines had initially been placed by Israeli forces in another location, and that they had since been swept away during rough weather to where the soldiers were at the time, according to Ynet.
The incident is sure to increase criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. The Israeli leader is facing growing pressure from Israel's public to launch an investigative probe into the military's conduct during the recent war, where many soldiers were left without food, water or supplies while in southern Lebanon.
Olmert was given several options by which to investigate the matter, including an independent inquiry commission. He is expected to present his decision in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister remains staunchly opposed to lifting its blockade against Lebanon until international forces are deployed to the region, a matter that has been complicated in recent days by hesitation on the part of European nations to commit troops to the region.
In their place, several thousand Israeli soldiers remain in southern Lebanon currently.
